WALNUT CREEK, CA — CocoKids, Contra Costa County’s only child care resource and referral agency, celebrated a landmark milestone on Saturday, May 2, 2026, hosting its “Together for Children” 50th Anniversary Gala at Boundary Oak Golf Course in Walnut Creek. The sold-out evening brought together families, early educators, donors, community leaders, and longtime supporters to honor five decades of unwavering commitment to quality child care and early education across Contra Costa County. Guests enjoyed a hosted cocktail hour, an elegant sit-down dinner, a recognition program, live and silent auction, and live musical entertainment: an evening that reflected the warmth and community spirit that has defined CocoKids since its founding in 1976.
The Gala was further distinguished by official proclamations and government recognition, underscoring CocoKids’ lasting impact in the county. Proclamations were presented on behalf of Laura Nakamura, the Mayor of Concord, by Councilmember Carlyn Obringer; from the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, by Supervisors Diane Burgis and Ken Carlson; and from California Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson of District 11, by Field Representative Eric Cortes.
Among the evening’s most moving moments was the presentation of Legacy Awards honoring three pioneers whose early contributions laid the foundation for CocoKids’ enduring mission. Ken Jaffe, the organization’s first Executive Director from 1976 to 1981, was recognized alongside Don Lau, the first employee, who served as West Area Organizer and later Assistant Director from 1976 to 1983. The third honoree, Catherine (Kate) Ertz-Berger, served as Executive Director from 1985 to 2013, and her nearly three decades of leadership helped shape CocoKids into the organization it is today.
The event also featured the premier of a specially produced 50th Legacy Video, drawn from interviews with former staff members and current beneficiaries, offering a moving tribute to the thousands of children and families CocoKids has served over the past half-century. “This milestone is not just about CocoKids,” said Executive Director John Jones. “It is about every child who has been nurtured, every family that has been supported, and every provider who has been empowered across Contra Costa County over the past 50 years. We are profoundly grateful for the community that has stood beside us and look with optimism to the work that lies ahead.”
